Austria starts 250,000 euro support scheme for single wagon transport in Tyrol
Austria has started a 250,000 support scheme for single wagon transport in Tyrol, bordering Italy. The programme has been in effect since 1 April. It is not supposed to be a one-time love affair with rail as it aims at a long-term modal shift breakup with the road.
The scheme aims at “greater efficiency, a reduction in emissions and a relief on the roads”, according to ORF.at. Austrian state economics councillor Mario Gerber elaborated that the 250,000 in funding is not a one-time love affair with rail but a long-term investment. Money will continue to flow in the coming years in order to create jobs and strengthen the economy. One restriction: the point of departure or destination must be in the Austrian region of Tyrol.
At a press conference on Monday, 8 April, Gerber specified that companies can apply for funding more than once. As such, there are 15,000 euros available per company. A single application can provide up to 200 euros in funding.
Single wagon complexities
The scheme applies to any type of single-wagon rail transportation because the challenges in this area are particularly large, says Austria’s transport councillor. Single-wagon logistics are complex. Wagons are brought to a terminal from various locations and assembled into a single train there. “That is why single-wagon transport is not the cheapest, and such funding is all the more important”, according to the councillor.
Besides Tyrol, the councillor identifies problems across the border. Road transportation is becoming increasingly cheap compared to rail due to rail toll hikes in Germany, alongside existing energy levies. While ten per cent of single-wagon rail transportation is now subsidised, this does not yet ensure economic viability, according to a representative of the Tyrolean Chamber of Commerce.
Dispute with Italy
The announcement for rail funding came on the same day that hearings in the truck restriction case against Austria started in the EU. Earlier, Italy took Austria to court following the latter’s restrictions on trucks entering Tyrol. Italian publication Trasporto Europa writes that Austria believes the residents in Tyrol have to deal with “unbearable conditions”, such as excessive traffic jams, noise and environmental pollution. Italy objects, saying that Austria’s unilaterally introduced restrictions are disproportionate.
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